Seattle Reports Near Universal Compliance With Vaccine Mandate

Seattle WA

18 October, 2021

4:39 PM

Description

SEATTLE — As state and local vaccination deadlines arrived Monday for public employees, just one percent of Seattle's city workforce had not submitted proof they were fully vaccinated or filed paperwork seeking a medical or religious exemption, according to figures released by the mayor's office. A spokesperson for Mayor Jenny Durkan said 99 percent of the city's 11,000 employees were in compliance by 10 a.m. Monday, including 94 percent who were fully vaccinated and 5 percent who sought exemptions. The city estimated just 150 workers across all departments had failed to provide immunization records or file exemption requests. Immunization rates were above 90 percent among members of both the Seattle Fire Department and the Seattle Police Department. Here are the figures released Monday morning by the mayor's office: Citywide 99% of our 11,000 employees have complied 94% vaccinated5% exemptions1% not submitted – approximately 150 Seattle Fire 93% vaccinated6% exemptions1% not submittedOnly 16 individuals have not submitted Seattle PD 91% vaccinated (sworn is 90%)7% exemptions (sworn is 8%)2% not submittedOnly 24 individuals have not submitted City officials said updated figures would be available by Tuesday morning after the deadlines had officially passed. A detailed breakdown of how many exemption requests and accommodation plans were approved or denied was not available Monday. Employees who failed to secure both could face termination. State and county officials also plan to share broader updates on vaccination percentages and exemption statuses Tuesday. Last week, Seattle Public Schools announced the temporary suspension of 142 school bus routes, anticipating some drivers who chose not to comply with the mandate would be let go from First Student, adding to ongoing staffing challenges inside the district's transportation provider. Within the district itself, a spokesman said Monday that 99 percent of Seattle Public School's nearly 7,300 employees were in compliance, including 205 workers who were granted exemptions. The district said "a few employees" planned to take leave to complete the vaccination process. Figures released by the Office of Financial Management last week showed nearly 92 percent of the state's workforce was in compliance with the mandate by early October, but a few thousand employees remained out of compliance or had exemption requests pending. Under deals reached with many of the state's largest unions, some workers who have their exemptions or accommodations denied can use leave to become fully vaccinated over the next few weeks in lieu of firing.